by Brian Abate, Chris DiGeronimo and Gianluca Milea
1. Bengals -- Joe Burrow, QB LSU
The Bengals benched Andy Dalton and tanked to get the best quarterback in the draft. Burrow was the best quarterback in college football last year. He showed off arm strength, accuracy, athleticism and toughness, as he led LSU to a championship. He has all the tools to be the franchise quarterback the Bengals need.
2. Redskins -- Chase Young, DE Ohio State
The Redskins need a lot of help at numerous positions. The team still has a long way to go to be considered a contender. The team has to take the best player available and it doesn’t hurt that it is Young here. Chase Young is a generational talent and will provide much needed help on the defensive side of the football.
3. Lions -- Jeff Okudah, CB Ohio State
The Lions traded Darius Slay to the Eagles this offseason, so there is an obvious need for Detroit to take an elite corner here at three. Okudah is probably the best cornerback prospect in the draft and can step in and make an immediate impact in this Matt Patricia/Bill Belichick inspired defense that specializes in getting secondary pass deflections and turnovers. Okudah could be the piece the Lions decide to build around as they continue to build their defense.
4. Giants -- Isaiah Simmons, LB Clemson
The Giants desperately need a playmaker like Simmons on defense. They have many weaknesses and they could go for an offensive lineman but they are also weak on defense and it would be tough to pass on Simmons. He’s a linebacker who can do a bit everything, including get after opposing quarterbacks.
5. Dolphins -- Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama
It is only a matter of time before the magic that is Fitzmagic runs out. Tua Tagovailoa could be the long term answer in Miami if he can stay healthy. Miami also has a budding star in Devante Parker which should help with Tua’s transition into the NFL. It will be interesting to see if a team trades up to take Tua before the Dolphins, but I would look for Miami to take him with the 5th pick.
6. Chargers -- Justin Herbert, QB Oregon
The Chargers lost long time quarterback Philip Rivers to free agency and have since named Tyrod Taylor as the interim starter. There is an obvious need for the Chargers to find another franchise quarterback and Herbert can be just that. He has the physical tools to be a star in the NFL and should be able to maximize the talents of Keenan Allen and Austin Eckler which would be valuable in his development.
7. Panthers -- Derrick Brown, DT Auburn
The Panthers lost veteran defensive tackle in free agency. Now they can replace him with a young star who has a very high ceiling. Some consider Brown to be the second or third best talent in the draft. The Panthers should be thrilled to get him with the number seven overall pick. He’s extremely quick and athletic considering he’s listed as 6’5 and 318 pounds. Brown is known primarily as a run stopper but he can also put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
8. Cardinals -- Jedrick Wills, OT Alabama
The Cardinals need to protect Kyler. The offense has the chance to be electric this year after they added Deandre Hopkins to a receiver core that already included Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. Kenyan Drake was also a nice replacement for the loss of David Johnson and could use some help up front. Overall, the Cardinals need someone like Wills to block upfront and allow Kyler and the rest of the offense to put some points on the board.
9. Jags -- Javon Kinlaw, DT South Carolina
The Jaguars have gone from one of the most feared defenses in all of the NFL to one of the most mediocre defenses in three short years. There are a few holes to fill on the defensive line and Kinlaw should be the building block to help bring their defense back to prominence. Kinlaw is a menacing bull rusher and will make a big impact upon arrival in Jacksonville.
10. Browns -- Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville
Last year the Browns offense was a mess because Baker Mayfield didn’t trust his offensive line and couldn’t stop turning the ball over. Cleveland must address this in the offseason if they plan on making the playoffs next season. Becton has incredible strength and a 7-foot wingspan. Ideally, he will be a tackle in the NFL but if not, his size and strength could allow him to still become a dominant guard.
11. Jets -- Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa
Like many of the teams with picks prior to this one, the Jets have many holes that must be filled. Tristan Wirfs is a big talent with high hopes amongst many GMs. This pick will be about helping protect Sam Darnold and figuring out if he truly will be the answer at QB. Wirfs would also be a big addition for the production of Le’Veon Bell.
12. Raiders -- Jerry Jeudy, WR Alabama
The Raiders are still in the midst of their John Gruden/Mike Mayock rebuild and they need as much offense as they can get. Derek Carr hasn’t had a reliable receiver since they traded Amari Cooper and this would be the perfect opportunity to draft his replacement. Jeudy is a dynamic number one receiver that could move the sticks and take the top off the defense at the same time. Jeudy will definitely excite the new Vegas fanbase.
13. 49ers -- CeeDee Lamb, WR Oklahoma
The 49ers are poised to compete for the Super Bowl again next season but they could use a receiver. Luckily for them, this may go down as an all-time great draft for them. Lamb has the speed, size and hands to be a number one target for Jimmy Garoppolo and the Niners.
14. Bucs -- Andrew Thomas, OT Georgia
It is no secret that the key to beating Tom Brady is a good pass rush, just ask those two Giants superbowl teams. The Bucs will need to bolster their offensive line in order to give time for Brady to find Chris Godwin and Mike Evans down the field.
15. Broncos -- Henry Ruggs III, WR Alabama
The Broncos traded star wideout Emmanuel Sanders to the 49ers at last year's deadline, so there is a definite need for a new weapon in Denver. Ruggs is a dynamic route runner who has game-breaking speed that will give defensive coordinators nightmares week in and week out. He has the opportunity to be a star while also helping to develop young quarterback Drew Lock.
16. Falcons-- Jaylon Johnson, CB Utah
The Falcons struggled on defense last season and could use help at any position on defense. Johnson has the tools to be a very successful cornerback for them. He can make plays and consistently covered well over the last two seasons. He also showed toughness, not missing games last season despite having a torn labrum.
17. Cowboys -- K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB LSU
The Cowboys have no shortage of weapons on the offensive side of the football. The pick here should be defense. If Chaisson is still available here, he seems like a good fit for Jerry’s World. He will be able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback and fill a much needed hole at linebacker.
18.Dolphins -- Austin Jackson, OT USC
If the Dolphins decide to go quarterback with the fifth overall pick, it would make sense for them to get a protector for him here at 18. Jackson is a raw talent with loads of athletic ability. He is scheme-diverse and can be flexible on the line. He should be able to develop well with this up and coming roster.
19. Raiders -- Jordan Love, QB Utah State
Derek Carr has been far from dominant over the last three seasons and some scouts think Love will be a star, while others don’t trust him. He has the height and size at 6’4 224 pounds as well as great arm strength. Love struggled with turnovers this season but so did Lamar Jackson in his final season at Louisville and it’s safe to say the Ravens do not regret picking him.
20. Jags -- CJ Henderson, CB Florida Gators
The Jaguars have parted ways with many of their core defensive pieces, this draft will be about filling those holes. The departures of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye have left the team very thin at cornerback. CJ Henderson is a decorated Gator CB that will have much success at the next level.
21. Eagles -- Justin Jefferson, WR LSU
The Eagles are in dire need of a consistent set of hands that is able to stay healthy. Jefferson is a touchdown machine that fits that specific criteria. With Nelson Agholor gone, Jefferson should be able to flex his skills and help get this offense back to Super Bowl form.
22. Vikings -- Denzel Mims, WR Baylor
After the Vikings traded away Stefon Diggs, it’s likely they will use one of their first round picks to get Kirk Cousins another receiver. Mims has the size and speed to replace Diggs. He has had issues with drops which he will need to work on but his potential should outweigh that weakness. It will also help him to learn from veteran receiver Adam Thielen.
23. Patriots -- Patrick Queen, LB LSU
Patrick Queen was a key figure on a really good LSU national championship team. If Queen falls to New England, he seems to be a good fit here. The team had one of the best defenses in the league last year and will look to fill a few holes that were left after free agency.
24. Saints -- Kenneth Murray, LB Oklahoma
The Saints have had a solid defense over the last three seasons but there is always room for improvement. Murray is a playmaking linebacker that has the ability to fly from sideline to sideline. Murray has averaged nearly 15 tackles for a loss over the last two seasons at Oklahoma. The Saints are currently in need of a Sam linebacker on the depth chart so Murray’s abilities should make hima great fit for that open spot.
25. Vikings -- Xavier McKinney, S Alabama
The Vikings cut star cornerback Xavier Rhodes to save cap space, leaving them thin at defensive back. He made the Pro Bowl three times in the last four seasons, including last season. They haven’t addressed the need in free agency but can do so in the draft. Xavier McKinney was dominant at Alabama, and while he primarily played safety he had the speed of coverage skills of a cornerback. He dropped a few interceptions but still had three last season, along with four forced fumbles.
26. Dolphins -- D’Andre Swift, RB Georgia
After an early QB selection, the Dolphins will need to get him some help on the offensive side of the ball. Swift is a very talented running back who had a lot of success at Georgia. He will complement Jordan Howard nicely and take some of the pressure off of Tua to carry an excessive load when he ultimately takes the reigns from Fitzmagic.
27. Seahawks -- A.J. Espenesa, DE Iowa
The Seahawks are in need of an elite pass rusher after the departure of Jadeveon Clowney, and Espensa can be the perfect replacement. Espensa finished his junior year at Iowa with 49 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. The numbers are impressive and that type of talent can definitely translate at the NFL level and would be a great fit for Pete Carroll’s defensive scheme.
28. Ravens -- Zack Baun, OLB Wisconsin
The Ravens don’t appear to have any glaring weaknesses but have to be disappointed after failing to win a playoff game at home for the second season in a row. If they did have a weakness it would be not having any one dominant pass rusher. Matthew Judon had 9.5 sacks last season and no one else had more than five. Baun was a dominant pass rusher at Wisconsin, racking up 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss. He helped lead Wisoconsin’s fantastic defense. Baun tested positive for a diluted test but his high-end skills may be worth the risk. He should add another dimension to an already-strong Baltimore defense.
29. Titans -- Yetur Gross-Matos, DE Penn State
The Titans put together quite the season this past year. Ryan Tannehill was able to lead a potent offensive attack with the likes of Derrick Henry and budding star AJ Brown. Yetur Gross-Matos could provide tremendous assistance to the Titans pass rush and
help them take another step this year and make another deep run.
30. Packers -- Tee Higgins, WR Clemson
The Packers suffered a ton of injuries at the receiver position last season so it would probably be smart to give Aaron Rodgers another weapon and more importantly another depth piece at the position. Higgins’ size and “above the rim” talent make him a uniquely dangerous deep threat and in the endzone. Higgins should be a great compliment to Devonte Adams as a second number one receiver for Rodgers.
31. 49ers -- Ross Blacklock, DT TCU
The Niners traded away star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. He racked up 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons, while also being an effective run-stopper. Blalock is another big man in the middle who can stop the run but still put some pressure on quarterbacks. He is very athletic considering he’s 6’3, 290 pounds should be helped by playing alongside talented players like Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa.
32. Chiefs -- Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin
Jonathan Taylor had an incredible career at Wisconsin. The Chiefs are coming off of a Superbowl victory and are definitely one of the most complete teams in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes is clearly able to carry an NFL offense, if need be; however, Andy Reid would love to add another talent to his already saturated committee of running backs to help his Super Bowl MVP QB.
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